Animal Keeping Regulations

City Code

The city's animal keeping ordinance regulates animals which are typically home pets, and also other animals that are kept with the dwelling unit. Regulations on animal keeping can be found in Chapters 55 and 56 of the city's code of ordinances.

Domestic Animals

A domestic animal is an animal or fowl that is typically accessory to occupancy in a principal dwelling such as a dog, cat, rabbit, or potbellied pig, and is tame or domesticated. Domestic animals of a smaller nature include gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, birds, snakes, ferrets, and other similar animals maintained as pets and not for breeding purposes.

Restrictions

The maximum number of dogs, cats, rabbits, and potbellied pigs or animals or fowl of this nature is four adult animals in any combination belonging to the owner of the principal use. There is no limit to the number of smaller animals that may be kept in the dwelling unit.

Non-Domestic Animals

Non-domestic animals are accessory to occupancy in a principal dwelling and may consist of small caged animals and fowl such as falcons, pigeons, pheasants, quail, chickens, ducks, geese, and other small animals and fowl of this nature which are kept outside the dwelling and of such type and nature that state and national associations exist establishing norms for breeding, confining and rearing. Pygmy goats and miniature horses are not included.

Restrictions

No non-domestic animals are allowed on a lot of less than 20,000 square feet. The number of non-domestic adult animals is limited to two in total number on any parcel greater than 20,000 square feet.

Further Information

For more information about this program, contact the Community Development Department at 515-727-7778 or by email.